Control systems for partitions or the like



April 1o, 1956 Filed Dec. ll. 1952 J. MERCIER CONTROL SYSTEMS FORPARTITIONS OR THE LIKE 5 Sheets-Sheet 'l April 10, 1956 Filed Deo. l1.1952 J. MERCIER CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PARTITIONS OR THE LIKE 5Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS April 10, 1956 J. MERCIER 2,741,477

CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PARTITIONS 0R THE LIKE:

Filed DeC. 1l. 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 RESERVOIR REMOTE STATION CYLINDERCYLINDER L -J' J LOCAL STATION LOCAL STATION REMOTE STATION i I l, lCYLINDER l CYLINDER l L .j i l LOCAL STATION LOCAL STATION INVENTOR Jeanffefczlsf ATTORNEYS FLUID SUPPLY United. Seite Parr-'m10 CONTROL SYSTEMSFOR PARTITIONS OR THE LIKE Jean Mercier, New York, N. Y.

Application December 11, 1952, Seria! No. 325,434 Claims priority,application France December 20, 195.1

Y 22v claims. (ci. 26e-so) This invention relates to control systems forpartitions and more particularly for bulkheadV doors of aship.

It is among the objects of the invention to provide a-relatively simpleand dependable control system which provides readyv operation from botha remote station and from allocal station adjacent the partition to movethe f latter from one position to another or security position, andalso: provides for movement of such partition from thel local stationWithout possibility of the operator at the remote station interferingwith such movement.

Another object is to provide a system of the above type `which providesfor closing of the partition from the remote station by a manual pumpingoperationor a simple switchingv operation.

According to the invention, the control system includes a central orremote control station and a local station, eachhaving means to delivertluid under pressure to a hydraulic cylinder for operating thepartition. A selector valve is provided in the circuit having at least apartition opening position and a' partition closingV position and isdesigned when in partition opening position to by-pass the uid from theremote station back t'o the reservoir so that the actuation of the uiddelivery means' at the remote station Will notinterfere with the openingof the partition at the local station.

This application is a continuation-impart of c'opending applicationSerial No'. 245,367, filed September. 6', 1951.

In the accompanying drawings in which are shown one or more of variouspossible embodiments of the several features of the invention,

Fig. l is a circuit diagram of one embodiment of the system,

Fig. 2` is a' transverse sectional View ofthe distributor valve inpartition opening position,

Figi 3 is a view similar to Fig. l of another embodiment ofthe system,

Figs. Il and 5 are transverse sectional views of the distributor valveof Fig. 3 position respectively,

Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram of a modification of the system-shown inFig. 3, and

Figs. 7 and 8 are block diagrams illustrating the circuits shown inFigs. 1 and 3 respectively.

Referring now to Figs.jl and 2 of the drawings in which isillustratively shown an embodiment of the invention for control of aslidable partition, illustrativelly the bulkhead door on a ship, thesystem d'esirablyfcom'- prises a central or remote control station 1.1,preferably located above the water line, for example, on the bridge of'theship, and a plurality of local control stations 12 (one ofwhichY isshown)- desirably located adjacent the various bulkhead doors to beactuated.

'The central control stationA 11 has a pump 13 and 'each of thelocal-controlV stations 1li-has a pump I4 controlled respectively byhandles and 16; The input ofthe pump'13 at the centralY control stationis desirably in partition closing and openingv erably is located abovethe level of the pumps 13 and 14 so that fluid may readily be suckedinto said pumps upon actuation thereof and the input of each .of thepumps V14- at the local control stations is connected to reservoir 1Sthrough branch lines 19. The reservoir has a main return line 21 towhich the outputs of the local stations 12 are connected by branchreturn lines 22.

ihe output of pump 13 is connected to main feed line 25A and a pluralityof branch lines 26 leading to the local stations 12 for actuating theassociated bulkhead door 27 are connected to said main feed line 25through valves 28. Y Y

As shown in Fig. l, each of the branch lines 26 is connected throughone-Way check valve 29 to junction 31, which in turn is connected byline 32 to port 33 of distributor valve 34 and by line 35 to port 36 ofhydraulic cylinder 37 which controls the movement of bulkhead door 27.

The distributor valve 34 desirably comprises a substantially cylindricalhollow body or sleeve 38 having a substantially cylindrical valve member39 slidably mounted therein. One end of the valve member 39 has aprotruding portion 41 to which is aixed one end of a rod 42, the latterextending through end Wall 43 of the body 38 andV being aixed at itsouter end as at 44 to a control lever 45'. The lever desirably is.positioned adjacent the bulkhead door 27 and is pivoted as at 46 to thebulkhead of the ship adjacent such door. A spring 47 aixed at one end asat 48 to the bulkhead and at its other end `as at 49 to the leveradjacent its handle end 51,. normally retains the valve member 39 inclosed position with its protruding portion 44 against end wall d3.VDesirably the lever- 45 is designed so that it may be manually pivotedfrom both sides of the bulkhead door.

' The valve member 39 desirably has an axial passageway 53 which extendsfrom one end 54 of the valve member into the protruding portion il and atransverse passageway S5 in said protruding portion providescommunication between axial passageway 53 and the bore 56 of the hollowbody 3S.

As shown in Fig, l, the valve member desirably has an annular groove 57in its periphery which, when the valve member is in door closingposition shown in Fig. l, provides communication between ports 5'8V and"59 in the distributor body 38. lnaddition to such two ports 58 and 59,4the distributor body has ports 61 and 62 near the end walls 43 and63"thereof respectively, which ports are in communication throughpassageways 53 and 55 when the valve member isV in door closingposition. The port 33 of the distributor valve is normally Y sealed bythe end 54 of the valve member 39 when the connected by line 17 to atluid reservoirA 18 whieh'prcflatter is in closed position.

Inlet' port S8 is connected by line 65 to the outlet of pump 14 and'Vport' 62 is connected by branch line 22 to return line 21 connected toreservoir 18. The port 61 is connected by line 67 to port 68 inhydraulic cylinder 37, said port being positionedv on one side of thepiston 69 sldably mounted in said hydraulic cylinder 37.v The pistonY69l desirably has a piston rod 71 connectedA thereto and extending'through end Wall' 72 ofsaid hydraulic cylinder andv is connected tothebulkhead door 27 to actuate the latter. The hydraulic cylinder 37near the end.7'3 Vthereof desirably hasa partition 74 which denes achamber 75 with respect to end wall 73. Chamber 75 in addition to port36 has a second port 76- connected by line I7 to port 59 of thedistributor body. Desirably a ball valve 78 is positioned in chamber 75and normally retained'against port 76 by a coil spring 79; The partition74 has an opening 81 therein to permit flow of uid from the chamber 75into the main cylinder chamber 82' in=` which the piston 69 is slidablymounted- Y tion in which it is retained by spring 47, reactingY againstlever 45, the bulkhead door may be opened only. from thelocal station12.

To open the bulkhead door 27 from the local station 12, it is merelynecessary YtoV pivot lever 45 in a counter- Vclockwise direction to movevalve member 39 to the position shown in Fig. 2,V and to operate thehandle 16 Y of pump 14 to actnate the latter.

When the valve member 39 has been moved to the position shown in'Fig. 2,ports V58 and.61 will be in conimunication through the bore 56 of thedistributor valve. In addition, port 62 will be in communication withports 33 and 59 through annulark groove 57. I

The iluid forced by pump 14 fromV reservoir 18'v will ow through line65, ports 58 and 61, line .67 into port 68 of hydraulic cylinder 37 tomove the piston 69 therein to the right. As a result, the bulkhead door27 will be moved to open position through the transmission (not shown)operated by piston rod 71. When piston V69 moves to the right, the fluidin chamber 82 will be Yforced through opening 81 in partition 74 intochamber 75, By reason of the 'ball valve 78,V port 76 will remain closedand the uid will ow through port 36, lines 35 and 32 into port 33 ofdistributor valve 34 and thence through Y annular groove 57 and port 62,through line 22 to return line 21Vback to reservoir 14.

After the door is opened, pump control handle 16`is released to stop thepump and lever 45 is released so that spring 47 will move Vvalve member39 back to its Vnormal door. closing position shown in Fig. l.

The bulkhead door may be closed from either the cen- Y Vtral controlstation 11 or the local control station 12.

vTo Vclose the door from the localV station 12,V the control handle 16is actuated so that iiuid will ow from reservoir 1,8 through pump 14,line 65, port 58 of distributor valve 34, annular groove 57, port 59,`line 77 into port 76 of hydraulic cylinder 37, thereby moving ball valve78 away from such port. The uid will then ow from chamber 75 throughopening 81 in partition 74 into chamber 82 of the hydraulic cylinder. Asa result, the piston 69 will be moved to the left to Vclose the doorthrough the transmission actuated by piston rod 71 and the iluid inchamber S2 will be forced out of port 68'through line'67, port 61 ofdistributor valve 34;,passageways 55 and 53, port 62, line 22, returnline V21 back to reservoir 18, l Althoughfport 36, which is connected byline 35 to junction 31 and thence to lines 26 and32, is open when uid isforced into chamber 75, line 26'willv be blocked Y the movementgofpiston 69.

VAny one or more of the bulkhead doors Yat the local stations may beclosed from the central station 11 depending upon the number of valves28 that are opened.

Thus, withY the distributor valve 34 in closed position,` shown in Fig.l, it is merely necesary toopen the seiected control valve 28 dependingupon the bulkhead door vit is desired to close and to actuate controlhandle 15 of pump 13. As a result, iiuid will ow from reservoir 18,through line 17, pump 13, line 25, open valve 28, line 26, throughone-way check valve 29 to junction 31.

Although junction V31 is connected by line 32 to'port 33 I reason of thespring 79 against ball valve 78, and the pressure of the fluid forced inchamber 75, port 76Y will remain closed and the fluid will flow fromchamber through opening 81 into cylinder chamber 82 to move Y. thepiston 69 therein to the left thereby closing the bulk-V head doorthrough the transmission actuatedY by piston rod 71. i

By reason of the switch 84 which'is actuated by linger 83 on thebulkhead door 27, an indication will be provided by lamp 85 on thebridge of the ship when the bulkhead door has been closed and at suchtime control handle 15 of pump 13 may be released `and valve 28 closed.

The tiuid forced out of the chamber 82 of hydraulic cylinder 37 willpass through port 68 and line Y67 into port 61 of therdistributor valve,and thence through passageways 55 and 53 Ythrough portY 62, line 22 andreturn line V21 back to reservoir 18. Y g

With the system above described, the bulkhead doors may be closed fromthe central station 11 only when there is no operation at the localstation to open Y,the bulkhead doors, i. e., the distributor.Y valve34.is not in the open position shown in Fig.; 2 andthe pump 14 is notactuated.

If valve 34 is in door opening position and pump 14 is actuated, fluidwill flow through lineV 65, port 58, bore 56, port 61 into port 6870ithe hydraulic cylinder 37 to move'the piston therein to door openingposition.Y If

the pump 13 is actuated simultaneously, uid will iiow counter lessresistance to its Yflow than it encounters when Y 1t attempts to tiowinto port.36, by reason of the uid under pressure forced into chamber 75by the movement of piston 69.Y As a result, the fluid from pump 13 willow through port 33 to reservoir 18 andhence will not prevent opening ofthe bulkhead door. v Y If the pump 13 at the central station and thepump V14 at the local station are operated simultaneously with thedistributor valve in closed position, shown in Fig. K1, as fluid will beforced into ports 76 and 36 of the hydraulic cylinder from both pumps,the effect will be additiveto move the door to closed position. A

The embodiment of the system shown in Figs. V3l to 5 desirably comprisesa reservoir 89 desirably at a centralV control station which preferablyYis located onV the bridge of a ship and which has a pump 93, actuated bycontrol handle 94, with its inlet connected to reservoir 89. By means ofa main line 72 which desirably leads into the top of reservoir 89, suchreservoiris Vconnected through one-way check valve 90 to reservoir 91which may be located in 'the' hold of the ship. The check valve 90 issopositioned in line 92 as to prevent ow therethrough from reservoir 91to reservoir'89. The reservoir91 is also desirably connected by line 96to the inlet of a pump 97 also preferably located in the hold ofthefship.v 2 The pump 97V desirably has a conventional self-containedpressure switch (not shown) which cuts 0E the power to the pump drivemotor 88 when the pressure in the pump output rises above apredeterminedamount.

'The output of pump 93 is connected by feed line 98 through valve 99 andline 101 to the output of pump 97 and a plurality of local controlstations 104, oneof which `is'illustratively shown, is connected bybranch feed lines to line 101. Y f Y The branch line 105 to the localstation 104 shown inv Fig. 3 is connected through a check valve 87 to ajunction 106 which in turn is Vconnected by line '107 to the-port 110 ofa pressure accumulator 109l of conventional type such as that shown inReissue Patent No.

23.343. dated February 20, 1951, a pressure gauge 111 being suitablyconnected to line 107 to indicatethe pressure therein. Junction 106connected by line 112 to theinlet port 113 of a distributor valve 114which desirably has three positions; an intermediate position shown inFig. 3, a closed position shown in Fig. 4 and an open position shown inFig. 5.

The distributor valve 114 desirably comprises a sub-V stantiallycylindrical hollow body or sleeve 115 having a substantially cylindricalvalve member 116 slidably mounted therein. The valve member 116desirably has two arcuate grooves 117, 118 therein, defining endportions 119, 121 and a central portion 1422. In addition to inlet port113, the distributor valve has six ports 123, 124, 125, 126, 127 and128. In the intermediate position. of the valve member 116, shown inFig. 3, the central portion 122 thereof closes port 113 andcommunication is provided through arcuate groove 117 between ports 123and 126, and through arcuate groove 118 between ports 124 and 127. Insuch intermediate position of the valve member, the port 128 is closedby end portion 121 of the valve member.

The ports 123, 124 and 125 are connected through common line 131 to thereturn line 132 which is connected to main line 92. The return lines 132of the distributor valves (not shown) of the other local stations arealso connected to line 92. The port 127 is connected by line 134 to port135 in hydraulic cylinder 136, said port 135 being positioned on oneside of the piston 137 slidably mounted in the hydraulic cylinder 136.Piston 137 has a piston rod 138. connected` thereto and extendingthrough end wall 139 of the hydraulic cylinder, said piston rod beingconnected to a bulkhead door 141 through a conventional transmission(not shown) to actuate the latter.

The hydraulic cylinder 136 near the end wall 142 thereof desirably has apartition 143 which defines a chamber 144 with resp-.ect to end wall142. Chamber 144 has a port 145 connected by line 14.6 to port 126 ofthe distributor valve 114, and a second port 147 connected by line 143to junction 149. This junction is connected by line 151 to port 1,28 ofdistributor valve 114 and by line 152 to the outlet of one-way checkvalve 153, the inlet end of which is connected by branch line 154through manually operated valve 155 to line 9S. As shown in Fig. 3, aplurality of branch lines 154 are connected through associated valves155 to the other local stations 104.

Desirably, a ball valve 161 is positioned in chamber 144 of hydrauliccylinder 136 and normallyV retained against p ort 147 by a coil spring162. The partition -143 desirably has an opening 163 therein topermitviiow ofJ tiuid from the chamber 144 into Vthe main cylinder chamber 164in which the piston 137 is slidably` mounted. ilesirablyV the bulkheaddoor 141 has a linger 166 which coacts with a switch 167 to actuate thelatter when the door 141 is in closed position, the switch controllingvan indicating device 168 preferably located 'on the bridge of the shipto indicate when the door is closed".

Although the distributor valve 114 maybe actuated in anysuitable manner,in the embodiment herein shown, an actuating rod 171 is ailixed at oneend to valvemember 116 and pivotally connected at its other end as atv172 to a control lever 173 pivotally mounted at one end as ar 174 andhaving ahandle 175 at its'other end, the lever being normally urgeddownwardly by acoil spring 170. axed at one end thereto;

The lever 173 between the` handle thereofV and the pivoted endi172 ofrod 171 has aibred thereto one-end of a connector member 176, the otherend of said connector member'extending through the end wall '177 of acylindrical casing 178 and having a piston 179 aixed thereto.

.Although a exible cable couldbe used'for the connector member, in theillustrative embodiment. herein shown, 'a rigidlrod mused'. A fullyextended'spring 131V positioned Vin said casing17 encompassessaid'rodand retainsthe piston 179 spaced from end wall' 177.. A. rod. 182ratixedlat one end to the end Wall 133 of the casing 178 is pivotallyconnectedat its other end to the mid portion of lever 184 pivoted at one end asat 185. The lever` 184 is urged by a spring 180 against a stop 186 andretained thereagainst by means of a latch arm 137 pivotally mounted asat 188 to the bulkhead of the ship and having a linger 139 at one endadapted to extend beneath the free end 191 of lever 184. arm ispositioned. adjacent an electro-magnet 193which is normally energized toretain the finger 189 of the latch arm beneath the lever 134. The coilof the electromagnet is connected through a switch 194, desirablylocated near the bulkhead door, to one side. of a source of potentialand through'a lead 195 and normallyclosed switch 196011 the bridge ofthe ship lto the other side of the source of potential.

The coil spring 181 is desirably stronger than coil spring so that whentheY lever 184 is retainedby arm 187 against stop 156, the valve member116 will be in the intermediate position shown in Fig. 3.

Desirably the lever 173 also controls a switch 197 which is connectedfrom one side of a source of current through an indicating device suchas a bell 198 and switch 167 to the other side of the source of current.Thus, upon either up or down movement of lever 173, switch 197 will beclosed so that when the switch 167 is closed by the movement ofthe'bulkhead door to closed position, the bell 198 will ring.

The system shown in Figs. 3 to 5 is readied for operation by energizingmotor S11 to drivepurnp 97 and such pump will force. iiuid fromreservoir 91 into accumulator 109 to charge the latter. When'thepressure in line 105 reaches a predetermined amount, by means of theconventional pressure switch (not shown), motor 88 will cut ofi. Thesystem is normally'set with latch arm 187 retaining lever 184 in theposition shown in Fig. 3 and with the distributor valve 114 inintermediate position. If at thisV time the bulkhead door should beclosed, it may be opened from thel localv station 1134 adjacent suchdoor.

To this end,.it is. merely necessary to raise handle to pivot lever 173upwardly, such movement of lever 173 being permitted by reason of therod 176. As the lever 173 is pivoted upwardly, the valve member 116 willbe moved to the position shown in Fia. 5. As a result, fluid will owfrom the charged accumulator 109, line 107, junction 1126, line 112 toport 113 of the distributor valve 114, the check valve 87 preventingilow through linesf105 and-101.

As port 113 is in communication with port 127 through annular groove 11Sin valve. member 116, fluid will flow Vthrough port 127 and line134 intoport 135' of hydraulic cylinder 136. Asl a result, the piston 137 Willbe moved to the right to open the bulkhead door 141 throughvthevtransmission from piston rod 138. The `iiuid in chamber 164 of thehydraulic cylinder will be forced through operi- 163 in partition 143into chamber 144. As port 147 of such chamber is closed by ball valve1161,. the fluid will iiow throughy port 145, linet146 to port 12'6- ofdistributor valve 114, annular groove 117, port 123, lines'1'31 and 132back through valve 90'and line 92.V to reservoir 91 nd also to reservoir89.

'1'1'6 is in closed position, a circuit will be provided fromaccumulator 109, through line 107, junction 106, line 112 The other endof the latchA into port 113 of the distributor valve, through annulargroove 117, port 126, line 146 to port 145 ofthe hydraulic cylinder 136.The fluid under pressure flowing jinto port 145 will ll chamber 144,being prevented from flowing through port 147 by ball valve 161, andwill ow through opening 163 in partition 143 into chamber 16d, therebymoving piston137 to the left toV close the builthead door through thetransmission from piston rod 138. The fluid to the left of piston 137will be forced from chamber 164 through port 135, line 134 into port 127of the distributor valve which is in communication with port 124`throughannular groove 118 and from port 124 through lines 131 and 132, valve 90and line 92 to reservoir 91 and also to reservoir 8,9. f Y

AWhen the door 141 reaches closed position, the ringer Y 166 thereonwill close switch 167 so that bell 198 will ring to indicate to theperson closing the door that it has reached-closed position and he mayrelease the lever 173. As the result of release of such lever, thetensed coil spring 181 will raise the latter and restore the valvemember ,116 to intermediate position.

In the event the pressure in accumulator 109 should Vfall below apredetermined amount while the valve 114 is in either'the closed or openpositions, shown in Figs. 4 and respectively, the pressure switch (notshown) associated with pump 97 will energize the motor 88 which willagain rotate pump 97 'so that it will deliver Vlluid into line 112.`When the piston 137 has been moved to either extreme open orclosedposition, the pressure in line 112'will build up. As a result, theaccumulator 109 If the valveis inthe intermediate position shown in Fig.3 and the pressure in accumulator V109 should be below suchpredetermined amount, the motor 83 will also rotate pump 97 to forcefluid intro line 112. As port 113V will Vbe sealed by portion 122 ofvalve member 116, the pressure in line 112 will build up toY charge theaccumulator 109.

With the system shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the bulkhead door maybe opened orclosed from the local station,

. but an operator at the central or remote station on the :bridge canonly close the bulkhead door.

VTo close the door from the bridge of the ship with the distributorvalve in intermediate position, as shown in Fig.-3, itis merelynecessary to'open switch 196 on the bridge. As a result, theelectro-magnet 193 will be deenergized enabling coil spring 170, throughrod 176, casing 178 and rod 1,82 to pivot lever 184 downwardly againstthe slight tension of spring 180,.such movement of the lever 184pivotinglatch arm 189 in a clockwise direction. Consequently, the valvemember 116 will be moved to closed position shown'in Fig. 4 and thebulkhead V,door will beclosed in the same manner as previously describedwhenthe leverV 173 was moved downward manually. i Y Y When the bulkheaddoor is closed, by reason of the actuationof switch 167 by the movementof nger 166 on door 141, a circuit will be completed from such switch toindicating device 168 on the bridge of the ship. When the indicatingdevice 168 is actuated, the operator on the bridge then may close switch196. As a result, electromagnet 193 will'again be energized to pivotlatch arrn187 in a counterclockwise direction. 191 ofl lever 184 hasbeen moved away from arm 189, the lever 184'will remain in Vitslowermost portion and valve member 116 will remain in closed positionand it is not until lever 173 is manually pivoted that spring 180 willraise arm 184 so that end 191 thereof will move by finger 189 to beengaged thereby. It is also to be noted that the bulkhead door can beclosed by the opening of switch `194 which also will de-energizeelectro-magnet 193.

VIn the event that the motor 88 or pump 97 should break -down, andaccumulator 109Y is discharged, the bulkhead However, asY the end 1Vwill charge until the pressure in line 105 Yreaches the cut ,0Epressure of the motor 88 driving pump 97.

door may still'be closed from the bridge of the ship. For

-this purpose, it is merely necessary for the valve V155 -to beopened'and the handle 94 of pump 93 actuated. As a result, fluid williiow from reservoir 89 through pump v93,

line 98,V valve 155, line 154, check valve V153, line 152,

. junction V149, line 148 into port'147. The ball valve 161 accomplishedby the opening of valve 155 and actuationV of pump handle 94 aspreviously described. To affect opening'of the bulkhead door, the personadjacent ,theV

latter need merely raise the lever 173 to move the valve member 116 tothe door opening position shown in Fig. 5. The attendant on the bridgeof the ship would then open the valve 99 and actuate the pump handle 94.As a result, uid would flow from'reservoir 89 through pump 93, line 98,open valve 99, lines 161, and 112 into port 113 of the distributor valveand through annularV groove V118 and port 127 as previously described tomove the bulkhead door to open position. j

In the event a bulkhead door is closed and a crew member desiresV topass therethrough, he need merely raise lever` 173 as previouslydescribed, to open'the door. YWhen lever 173 is released, the valvemember 116 will 'return to intermediate position and the door willremain open?, T o insure that the door will automatically close, it ismerely necessary to open switch 194 so that the valve member will movetoclosed position. in such event if 'a crew member should open the doorto pass therethrough,

operate the bulkhead door. VIn the circuit shown in Fig.

6, in which parts corresponding tovthose in Fig. 3 have the samereference numerals' primed, a one-way check valve 202 is positioned inline 105', such valve permitting ow only from thepump 97 to the line105. In addition, a one-way check valve 203 is positioned in line 112between port113 and junction 106 to permit ilow of uid from suchjunction into port 113'. A line 204 is connected at one end to'line 112between port 113 and check valve 203 vand at its otherv end to theoutlet of a one-way cheek valve 205, the inlet end of which is connectedto the outletrof pump201 supplied with fluid by line 207 connected toline 92' from the reservoir 91'.

The operation of the system shown in Fig. 6 is substantially identicalto that of the system shown in Fig. 3. However, Vin the event the mainpump 97' should fail, the bulkhead door may still be actuated by themanual operation of the pump 201.V VrI'hus, uid will flow from reservoir91' through pump 201, check valve 205 to port 113 of the distributorvalve to move the bulkhead door Y in direction depending on the settingofthe distributor valve 114'. The check valve V205 prevents fluid Vfromflowing into pump 201 through line V204 during normal operation of thesystem. The check valve 203 prevents iiuid from flowing into theaccumulator when pump 201 Y is operated and the check valve 202 preventsleakage Vof fluid from Ythe accumulator in therevent line 103' isbroken.

As many changes could be made in the above construction, and manyapparently widely different embodi-V ments of this invention coud bemade without departing firent .the scope st-v the claims, it is intendedthat-al1 matter -tontainctl the above. description or shown. in. theacceuinenying drawings.v shall be interpreted as illustrative and not alimiting sense,-

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure b y Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A control system comprising a local control station, a remote controlstation, a pair of pumpsY each having an outlet, a source of iiuid forsaid pumps, one of said pumps being at the remote station, a hydrauliccyiinder having a piston slidable therein, said cylinder having a porton one side of said piston and a pair of ports on the other side of saidpiston, means connecting the outlet of said remote station pump to oneof the pair of ports of said cylinder, a distributor'member having apair of ports connected respectively to the other ports of saidcylinder, said distributor member also having an inlet port connected tothe outlet of the other pump and a return port connected to the cylinderport to which the remote pump is connected, means in said distributormember movable from one operating position to another to connect saidinlet port to one or the other of the pair of ports in said distributormember respectively, saiddistributor member having an additional portconnected to said iiuid source, said means in said distributor memberwhen in one of said operating positions closing said return port andwhen in the other of said operating positions connecting `said, returnport and said additional port.

2. 'The combination set forth in claim l in which-valve means areprovided to permit flow of uid from -the outlet or the remote stationpump into the port of said cylinder to which the outlet of theremotestation pump is connected but to restram cw of uid out of said port tosaid outlet..

3. The combination set forth in claim l in which said hydraulic cylinderhas a partition'near one end thereof defining twov chambers, said pistonbeing slidable inV one of said chambers, said partitiony having anopening providing communication between said chambers, and said pair ofports lead into the other chamber,

4. The combination set forth in claim 3 in which valve means areprovided in said other chamber to permit liow of uid into the other portof the pair of ports in said cylinder and to restrain ow of fluid out ofsaid other port. t

5. The combination set forth in claim 3 in which valve means areprovided in said other chamber to permit ow of liuid into the other portof the pair of ports in said cylinder and to restrain flow of fluid outof said port, said valve means comprising a ball in said other chamberand resilient means normally retaining said ball seated over said otherport.

6. The combination set forth in claim 1 in which means are providednormally to urge the means in said distributor member to one of saidoperating positions and manually operated means are provided to move themeans in said distributor member to the other operating position.

7. The combination set forth in claim l in which said distributor memberis positioned at the local station and in which means are providednormally to urge the means in said distributor member to one of saidoperating positions and manually operated means are provided to move themeans in said distributor member to the other operating position.

8. A control system comprising a local control station, a remote controlstation, a pump at each of said stations, each of said pumps having anoutlet, a uid reservoir for said pumps, a hydraulic cylinder having apiston slidable therein, said cylinder having a port on one side of saidpiston and a pair of ports on the other side of said piston, meansconnecting the outlet of said remote station pump to one of the pair ofports of said cylinder, a distributor member having a pair of portsconnected respectively-,t9 thefetberports of said cylinden-jsaid .dis-

tribntnr member .also having .an linlet port Connected t0 the outlety ofthe-local station pump, and a Vreturn port connected to the cylinderport to which the `remote: statinnpump is connected, means in saiddistributor memher movable from vone operating position to another, toconnect said inlet port to one or the other of the pair of Ports in saiddistributor member.. said distributor member having an. additional. portconnected to said reservoir, said means in said distributor member whenin one of said operating positions` closing said return port and when inthe other operating position connecting said return port tosaidadditicnal port.

Si. The combination set forth in claim 8 in which. said piston controlsa piston. rod, a slidably mounted door is provided operatively connectedto said pistonv rod and movable thereby from open to closed position, anindicating device at the remote station, a switch adjacent the` doorcontrolling saidv indicating, device and means on said door operatingsaid switch when the door is in closed position.

l0. The combination set forth in claim 8 in which said distributormember comprises a substantially cylindrical sleeve having a valvemember Aslidable therein, said valve member having an external annulargroove deiningYK two end portions anda passageway therethrough, saidvalve memben being constructed-and arranged, when in one of itsoperating positions to provide communication through said passagewayvbetween one of' said pairv of ports in .said distributor member and saidadditional port and. to provide communication through said annularAgrove between said inlet port and the other of said pair of ports, oneofv said end portions closing, said return port and in thetotheroperating position to-providecommunication between saidv iirst port ofsaid'Apair-ofports and said inlet port and to provide communicationbetween said return port and said additional port through said annulargroove, and means to move said valve member from one ofsaid operatingpositions to the other.

Il. The combination set forth in claim 8 in which the means connectingthe outlet of said remote station pump to one of' the pairs of ports, ofsaid cylinder comprisesy a line having a one wayv check valveV whichpermits il'ow only from said pump to said cylinder and the return portin said distributor member is connected by a line to said rst named linebetween the check valve and the cylinder port.

l2. A control system comprising a local control station, a remotecontrol station, a pair of pumps each having an inlet and an outlet, asource of fluid for said pumps, one of said pumps being at the remotestation, a hydraulic cylinder having a piston slidable therein, saidcylinder having a port on one side of said piston and a pair of ports onthe other side of said piston, means connecting the outlet of saidremote station pump to one of said pair of ports of said cylinder, adistributor member having a pair of ports connected respectively to theother ports of said cylinder, said distributor member also having aninlet port connected to the outlet of the other pump and a return portconnected to the cylinder port to which the remote pump is connected,means in said distributor member movable from an intermediate to eitherof two operating positions, normally closing said inlet port when inintermediate position and connecting said inlet port to one or the otherof the pair of ports of said distributor member respectively when insaid operating positions, said distributor member having an additionalport connected to said fluid source, said means in said distributormember closing said return port when in intermediate and one of saidoperating positions and connecting said return port and said additionalport when in the other of said operating positions and a pressureaccumulator connected to the inlet port of said distributor member.

i A11 '13. 'The combination set forth in claim 12 in which an additionalpump is provided at said local station having Y its'inlet connected tothe reservoir associated with'the other pump, and its outlet connectedto the inlet port in said distributor member, a check valvelpositio'nedbetween said additional pump outlet and said inlet port, a check valvepositioned between said pressure accumulator and said inlet'vport and acheck valve positioned between the outlet of said other pump and saidpressure accumulator.

14; The combination set forth in claim 12 in which the outlet of saidremote station pump is also connected to Ythe inlet port of saiddistributor member and a control valve is positioned between said'outletand said inlet port.

15.v Thecombination set forth in claim 12 in which the source of'uid forsaid pumps comprises a pair of reservoirs, one positioned adjacent eachYof said pumps and the additional port in saidV distributor member isconnected to both of said reservoirs. Y t iY 16. The combination setforth in claim 12 in said distributor member comprises a substantiallycylindrical sleeve having a valve member slidable therein, said valvemember having a pair of spaced annular grooves defining a pair of endportionsY and a central portion, said distributor member having twodischarge ports connected to said additional port, said valve memberbeing constructedand arranged, when in intermediate position, for saidcentral portion to close said inlet port, for one of said end portionsto close said return port and for said annular grooves to providecommunication between said pair of ports of said distributor member andsaid additional port; when in one of said operating positions for one ofsaid end portions to close said return port and one of said dischargeports, for the other of said end portions to close said additional port,and for said annular grooves to provide communication between said inletport and one of said pair of ports and the other of said'discharge portsand the other-of said pair of ports respective- Iy and Vwhen in theother operating position, to'provide communication between said returnport and one of said discharge ports, between said additional port L andone of said pair of ports, between said inlet port and the otherof saidpair of ports and for one of said end portions toY close said otherdischarge port.

which Y 12Y 17. The combination set forth in claim 12 in' which'themeans in said distributor member comprises ga' slidable valve member, apivotally mounted lever is operatively connected to Ysaid valve memberto actuate the latter, a

casing is provided having a piston slidable therein and connected tosaid lever, a second pivotally mounted lever is connected to saidcasing, an electro-magnet is provided having a pivotally mounted latcharm normallyrestrain- ,ing said second lever from movement when theelectromagnet is energized, la coil spring operatively connected to saidlirst lever normally urges the latter in direction .to move the valvemember to closed position and a coil spring in said casing of greaterstrength than said first coil Vspringre'tains the rst leverinintermediate position when said second lever is restrainedrby saidlatch arm.'

18. The combination set forth in claim 17 in whichV a coil spring isassociated with said second lever to pivot the latter when said firstlever is raised. t. t

19. The'combination set forth in claim 17 in whichra switch at saidremote station controls said electro-magnet. 20. The combination setforth in claim 17 in which a switch at said remote station controls saidelectro-magnet and a second switch is in series withfsaid first switchand said electro-magnet; Y Y

21. The combination set forth in claim 17 in which a switch isassociated with said first leverV and actuated thereby when the lever ispivoted, said switch controlling an indicating device at the localstation.

22. The combination set forth in claim 17 in which said piston controlsa piston rod, a slidably mounted door is provided operatively connectedto the Ypiston rodV of said hydraulic cylinder and movable thereby fromopen to closed position, an indicating device at the remoterstation, aswitch adjacent the door controlling the indicating device at the remotestation, means on said door operating said switch when in closedposition, a second switch' associated with said rst lever and actuatedthereby'when `said lever is pivoted, an indicating device at the localstation, said two switches controlling said indicating deviceV at thelocal station when the door is closed.

No references cited.. Y

